Post: Narok County Launches Ambitious Plan to Vaccinate 1.5 Million Cattle Against Foot and Mouth Disease

Narok: The Narok County Government has initiated a significant vaccination program aimed at combating Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) by targeting more than 1.5 million cattle in the region.According to Kenya News Agency, the program was officially launched at the Nkoillale Livestock Yard, with Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu emphasizing that the government has subsidized the vaccine. Farmers are now required to pay only Sh50 per cow, a reduction from the usual cost of Sh160, with the government covering Sh110 to ensure affordability.The vaccination process mandates that farmers register their animals in the E-voucher system and participate in sensitization sessions. Governor Ntutu explained that the E-voucher system is designed to ensure accountability and fairness in subsidy distribution, as well as to maintain accurate breeding records.The initiative will be managed at the ward level through existing farmer cooperatives, with each ward having a dedicated committee comprising farmers' representatives, chie fs, ward administrators, and livestock extension officers. Farmers yet to register with the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS) will have the opportunity to do so, enabling them to benefit from the subsidy.The vaccines have been procured from the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI), and training and sensitization forums have already been completed. Due to a shortage of agricultural extension officers, the county has engaged 15 veterinary surgeons and 130 animal health experts, all licensed by the Kenya Veterinary Board, to ensure the program's success.Kilgoris Member of Parliament Julius Sunkuli, Director of KEVEVAPI Dr. Alex Sabuni, Narok County Commissioner Lotiatia Kipkech, various Members of the Narok County Assembly, and officers from the Livestock department were present at the launch. Dr. Sabuni assured farmers of the vaccine's efficacy, highlighting its role in improving milk and meat quality and productivity.MP Sunkuli expressed gratitude to the Kenya Kwanza administration for the subsidy, urging livestock farmers to take advantage of the affordable vaccine to enhance their livestock's market value. Commissioner Kipkech emphasized the government's efforts to support farmers through various programs, encouraging them to vaccinate their livestock during this period.The National Government, under the agricultural pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), has previously enhanced agricultural productivity by providing subsidized fertilizer. In Narok alone, over 350,000 bags of fertilizer were distributed during the long rains, with an additional 100,000 bags planned for the short rains. The current vaccination drive is part of a broader effort to extend subsidies to the livestock sector, prioritizing disease prevention measures.